The first set of events for people to find out more about plans for a Clean Air Zone for Bath, including charging high-emission vehicles to drive into the city centre, are being held during April.
The events have been lined up by Bath and North East Somerset Council with more being planned over the coming months.
The Council has been asked to take urgent action to reduce harmful nitrogen dioxide levels in the city and has drawn up a shortlist of three packages of measures which are capable of reducing vehicle emissions and bringing about the required improvement by the 2021 deadline.
No decisions have been made at this time but the Council is legally bound to reach a decision on a preferred package of measures by December and it is seeking people’s views.
Over the coming months each package of measures will be examined in detail and this includes ongoing public engagement, identifying the level of charges, hours of operation and assessing the social and economic impacts of each measure.
Councillor Bob Goodman, (Conservative, Combe Down) cabinet member for development and neighbourhoods, said: “We have to address these NO2 levels and we have do to that in the shortest possible time and by 2021 at the latest.
“We want to strike a balance with a package that can deliver the most benefit to local people in terms of improved air quality, with the least effect on residents and the economy within the deadline to reduce NO2. But we cannot do this alone.
“We are now starting a series of events where we want to continue working with residents, businesses and other organisations to develop a package of measures that is in the best interests of the city.
“It is important that people embrace this and help achieve sustainable improvements for future generations.”
A public surgery is being held in the Guildhall, Bath on Wednesday 18th April from 3-7 pm; anyone wishing to attend this event needs to book a space by 12pm on Monday 16th April via the “Get Involved” section of the website: www.bathnes.gov.uk/breathe.
The 30-minute-long public surgery sessions are designed to enable people to discuss the issues in more detail, but you can also get an overview via the “Frequently Asked Questions” section of the website: www.bathnes.gov.uk/breathe.
Councillor Mark Shelford, (Conservative, Lyncombe) cabinet member for transport and environment, added: “We want to talk to people not just about the charging element but also about more sustainable ways to travel across Bath and the wider area.
“I would encourage people to come along to our free events. There will be more arranged over the coming months and the details will be on our webpage and in newsletters.”
To find out more, go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/breathe, which will also have details of regular drop-ins and events.